Information & Publications Officer

Our team is currently seeking an Information and Publications Officer to help drive positive change within the Pacific Islands region. In this role, you will oversee a wide range of publishing activities for the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) that includes identification and solicitation of prospective work through editorial development and review, graphic production, and distribution and marketing. You will also contribute to Center-wide communications efforts that include curating, coordinating, and promoting activities that support and align with EWC communications strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS OFFICER

As the Information and Publications Officer, you will plan, design, and direct a comprehensive, integrated publishing program that brings to both scholarly and non-specialist audiences the results of research and related work in a manner that conveys the Center’s credibility and its distinctive perspective on Pacific Islands’ issues. Here are the key responsibilities you can expect in this role:

• Produces the Pacific Islands Report, a major Pacific Region news and information web publication.
• Publishes research reports in collaboration with East-West Center researchers, research interns, and recipients of research awards (grants, fellowships, scholarships, etc.).
• Evaluates audience needs and interests, seeks out and identifies prospective topics and authors, develops proposals, consults with advisory board of Center scholars, and makes decision to publish. Sets standards for and directs editorial development of all three series, assuring a mix of topics that is relevant to EWC audiences; a clear and engaging presentation of ideas that can sometimes be technical, complex, or abstract; and writing that can successfully compete for the reader’s undivided attention.
• Acquires manuscripts and brings them to publication in appropriate formats (e.g., working paper, occasional paper, book). Seeks out and encourages writers to contribute manuscripts, identifies what would be most interesting and relevant to our readers, and helps distill these ideas into concise manuscripts. Determines whether proposals or unsolicited contributions fall within the scope of PIDP’s publications program. Works in consultation with PIDP’s Director and Deputy Director to develop topics, evaluate proposals, and arrange for review. Responsible for production and for arranging specialized distribution. Supervises a coordinator or guest editor for special publications as needed.
• Negotiates and executes contracts between the Center and external publishers such as UH Press
• Directs promotional efforts to raise the visibility of publications and attract authors.
• Collaborates with contributors to publications, including emerging and leading scholars, policymakers, and commentators.
• Collaborates with national/international media, education and research organizations, commercial and educational database companies, and others to broaden the dissemination of publications by placing pieces in media outlets, encouraging reprinting and excerpting of publications for informational purposes, contracting for electronic dissemination, etc.
• Develops policies and procedures relating to copyright in coordination with legal counsel and advises on issues pertaining to the publications.
• Evaluates requests and represents PIDP in negotiations with authors and publishers wishing to obtain permission for material from selected publications.
• Assists with regional meetings in fulfillment of the PIDP’s role as Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL). Must follow protocols appropriate to organizations and their representatives, and utilize the highest level of discretion, when dealing with high level officials and leaders of Pacific Island nations.
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  Provides information about PIDP to internal and external audiences. Works with Director and Deputy Director to coordinate engagement in state, national, and regional organizations.
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE ROLE

Education and Experience – Graduate degree (Master’s or higher) in a field relevant to the position and work performed. At least five (5) years of work experience in publications related to the Pacific Islands. Experience should include In-depth knowledge of major Pacific Island domestic and international policy and social issues with a proven track record of developing and nurturing high-trust relationships and partnerships with Pacific Islander communities and organizations; of digital tools for managing and generating publications in multiple formats; of communication management and/or public relations across digital and print channels; and development and implementation of tailored communication strategies. Experience working with or within the U.S. Department of State and/or other U.S. Government agencies, or in roles closely aligned with U.S. foreign policy or international affairs, is required.

Demonstrated Ability – Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to work and deal effectively with a wide variety of cultures and with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply various policies and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment; to work effectively as a team member; and to appropriately handle confidential information; to work creatively within a set budget and use innovation to find ways of more effectively managing resources.

Knowledge – of office practices and procedures; of budget management; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; secure records management; and of office machines and equipment; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications; proficiency with Google suite, Microsoft 365, or other work sharing platforms and meeting software such as Zoom and Skype. The incumbent should also possess a strong understanding and appreciation of Pacific culture and ways of operating.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

• Experience developing and monitoring grant proposals and projects involving multiple units and agencies in the Pacific region.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

When you join our team as the Information and Publications Officer, you will have the opportunity to work for a company that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $101,518.65 with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a generous company match, paid holidays, as well as paid vacation and sick leave.

• Career Growth Opportunities

We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. As you settle into your role, you will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

• Supportive Work Environment

We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

HOW TO APPLY

If you're interested in applying for this position, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, worth ethic and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center is a premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. Founded in 1960, the Center has been a leader in promoting understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region through its innovative programs and research initiatives.

The Center is dedicated to creating respectful and inclusive programming that values innovation and growth through collaborations across the organization and the region. With its cutting-edge research, educational programs, and vibrant community, the East-West Center has become a hub of academic excellence and cultural exchange. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in making a difference for peoples and communities throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US, the East-West Center is the perfect place to explore and discover new perspectives.

The Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) serves as Secretariat for the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and a Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agency. In these capacities, PIDP regularly engages in highly sensitive international communications and activities with elected and traditional leaders, senior officials, governments, and organizations. Thus, the incumbent will have direct access to and some involvement with multilateral activities that are highly sensitive and have geopolitical significance and implications. Confidentiality and privacy are of paramount importance; the incumbent will be held to a high standard of behavior in this regard and must be able to always maintain confidentiality and privacy.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full-time position that requires the incumbent to work in-person in Honolulu, HI.